At the Asian Studies Center, we want to encourage students to continue following their interests in Asia. As such, we have funding to help support Asian language learning, building expertise in Asian cultures, and studying abroad in Asia. We hold competitions for summer and academic year funding each year made possible by endowment funds, grants from private sources, and funds from the US Department of Education. Most scholarships applications are due Feb. 15, 2024.
To apply for all funding except for the FLAS fellowships, all students will need to:
- Complete an application form on PittFund$Me. You can access PittFund$Me through your my.pitt.edu portal. Use the dashboard to search for the scholarship you wish to apply to.
- Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended
- Submit a statement of purpose no more than 1500 words that explains your interest in the area and the purpose of the grant
- Secure two letters of recommendation (for language based scholarship applications it is highly encouraged that you submit a letter of recommendation from your language teacher.)
FLAS Fellowships | China | Japan | Korea | Other | Event Funding
Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLASF)
For information about applying for Asian Studies FLAS fellowships, including application requirements please click here. Please note that students must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident of the US to qualify for this scholarship.
Academic Year Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowships: $10,000 tuition remission, $5,000 stipend
The Academic Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship supports students continuing to study Asian languages and cultures after completing their first year of an Asian language. Students are required to take one Asian language course (at the second-year level or above) and one Asian Studies culture course each semester they hold the grant.
Summer Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowship: $5,000 tuition remission, $3,500 stipend
Summer Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships support summer intensive language learning in an Asian language. Students at the second-year level or above are required to enroll in a summer language program of at least 6 weeks, with at least 120 language contact hours.
China
Chinese Summer Language Study: $5000
Funds participation in Chinese summer language programs. Students must have completed 1 year of college-level Chinese, and preference is for students who have completed 2 years. Preference is also for students who are participating in an organized program of study abroad.
Japan
Study in Japan: $6000 one semester, $12,000 full academic year
Funds Study Abroad in Japan for 1 or 2 semesters. Students must have a strong record in Japanese studies at Pitt. Preference for students who have completed two years of college-level Japanese.
Japanese Summer Language Study: $5000, plus $1000 for travel expenses if studying in Japan
Funds Japanese summer intensive language study at an approved summer language program. Preference is given to students who have completed at least one year of college Japanese. Students planning on attending the SEALS program at Pitt are not eligible for this award. For information about SEALS funding visit the SEALS website (https://www.deall.pitt.edu/resources/seals)
Japan Summer Study Abroad (non-language): $6000
Funds summer study abroad to Japan not focused on language study. If you program is focusing on language study please apply for Japanese Summer Language Study Scholarship.
Korea
POSCO Academic Year Korean Studies Award: $1000
Funds study of Korea or Korean language at the undergraduate level during the academic year. Scholarship can be used for study abroad to Korea, Korean language study, or Korean cultural studies. Preference is given to students who are planning on studying abroad in Korea.
POSCO Summer Korean Studies Award: $500
Funds study of Korea or Korean language at the undergraduate level during the summer. Scholarship can be used for study abroad to Korea, Korean language study, or Korean cultural studies. Preference is given to students who are planning on studying abroad in Korea.
Other (please note changes in application procedure)
Dr Mohinder and Saroj Bahl Grant in Indian Studies: up to $500
Funded through a generous donation in the name of Dr. Mohinder Bahl and Mrs. Saroj Bahl, students, faculty, and affiliated researchers may apply for up to $500 to help fund research, travel, or other educational expenses for projects and education that support India, Indian Studies, or people of Indian origin. Strong preference will be given to students, faculty, or researchers with demonstrated financial need.
In addition to the application process described above, student applying to the Bahl Grant must also provide a detailed budget as part of their application.
Event Funding
Asian Studies Center Student Group Event Funding: up to $300
The ASC student group event funding is meant to allow student groups which plan on hosting an event related to Asian studies to apply for a portion of the event's cost. Awards are capped at $300.
To apply, please complete the application here and attach:
- A short description of the event (including how it relates to Asian Studies, and if possible marketing material)
- A detailed budget